Over at New School Kaidan, I write a few words about some of the recently released promotional videos. At times, this is a bit of a grueling task, and all of my thoughts can get a little scattered when multiple PVs are released on the same day. But, I always try to present the promotional videos in the best light possible, and I try to remember that each of these pieces of entertainment for your a me is actually the manifestation of a dream for some young girl or girls out there in Japan. Here then is a collection of those write-ups, with a few words sometimes added after a week+ of viewing.

Ahead of their 2nd album, X21 release the promotional video for “Beautiful X”. The PV completely envelopes the girls in a white cyc (that white stage with no corners), where the girls either perform their choreography or mug lovingly for the rotating camera. The sense of perspective slowly fades as the girls move towards and away from the camera’s viewfinder. Eventually, I didn’t know which way was up anymore. “Beautiful X” really shines when the girls are given their solo close-ups. True to the Bishoujo Contest origins of the group, X21 members are all pretty in a way that outpaces most other idol groups. With soft lighting and a gentle breeze, you’re sure to find a girl that suits your fancy.

I can’t get around this very easily. The first thing you are going to notice about this PV is “naked” people rotating in space. So there. It happens. And FTR, they’re not really naked, but that doesn’t really matter.

BiS are now easily the most ambitious idol group I have ever seen. They don’t really seem interested in doing things the normal way. Take this song, “Ash.” I assume that it is from they’re latest release “Idol is Dead” on sale on October 24 (you can buy it here: CD Japan) … I’m going to definitely pick up a copy.